### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word יַחְמוּר (yachmûwr, `{{H3180}}`) is derived from the root חָמַר (chamár), which generally conveys the idea of "to be red" or "to be reddish-brown." This etymological connection strongly suggests that the animal designated by yachmûwr is characterized by its reddish or reddish-brown coat. The base definition provided identifies it as "a kind of deer" or specifically "fallow deer." While the precise zoological identification has been debated, with some scholars considering the roe deer or red deer, the fallow deer (*Dama dama*) remains a prominent candidate due to its characteristic coloration and palmate antlers in males, and its historical presence in the ancient Near East. The term thus refers to a specific cervid species, a wild ruminant known for its meat.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term yachmûwr (`{{H3180}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both instances pertaining to its use as a food source.
* **[[Deuteronomy 14:5]]**: This verse is part of a list of clean animals that the Israelites were permitted to eat, distinguishing them from unclean animals. The yachmûwr is enumerated among other clean cervids and antelope-like creatures, such as the deer, gazelle, roebuck, wild goat, ibex, antelope, and chamois. Its inclusion here signifies its status as a ritually acceptable and edible wild game animal, highlighting its role in the permissible diet of ancient Israel.
* **[[1 Kings 4:23]]** (or 1 Kings 5:3 in Hebrew Bible numbering): This passage describes the immense daily provisions for King Solomon's household, illustrating the opulence and abundance of his reign. Among the various animals consumed—including oxen, sheep, harts, and roebucks—the yachmûwr is listed. This context underscores its value as a prized game animal, likely appreciated for its meat, and reflects the extraordinary prosperity and vast resources available to the king, symbolizing a period of great blessing and peace.
In both contexts, yachmûwr is consistently presented as a clean, edible wild animal, indicating its economic and dietary significance in ancient Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root חָמַר (chamár, `{{H2560}}`)**: The foundational root points to a reddish hue, which aligns with the physical characteristics of many deer species, particularly the fallow deer. This connection between the animal's name and its coloration is a common linguistic phenomenon in biblical Hebrew.
* **Other Clean Ruminants**: yachmûwr is consistently grouped with other clean, cloven-hoofed, and ruminant animals, forming a category of permissible game. These include:
* אַיָּל (ayyal, `{{H354}}`): "deer" or "hart."
* צְבִי (tsevi, `{{H6643}}`): "gazelle."
* אַקּוֹ (aqqo, `{{H689}}`): "wild goat" or "ibex."
* דִּישֹׁן (dishon, `{{H1788}}`): "antelope" or "roe deer."
* תְּאוֹ (te'o, `{{H8389}}`): "wild ox" or "oryx."
* זֶמֶר (zemer, `{{H2169}}`): "chamois" or "mountain sheep."
These terms collectively illustrate the diverse array of wild game that met the criteria for ritual cleanness and contributed to the Israelite diet.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of yachmûwr (`{{H3180}}`) is primarily derived from its inclusion in the Mosaic dietary laws and its appearance in the context of Solomon's reign.
* **Divine Order and Provision**: The explicit categorization of yachmûwr as a "clean" animal in [[Deuteronomy 14:5]] demonstrates God's meticulous establishment of order within creation and His specific provision for the sustenance of His people. The dietary laws were not arbitrary but served to distinguish Israel, teaching them about holiness, purity, and dependence on God's revealed will in all aspects of life.
* **Holiness and Separation**: By delineating clean and unclean animals, God set Israel apart from the surrounding pagan nations, whose dietary practices often differed. The permission to consume yachmûwr was part of a larger system designed to cultivate a distinct, holy identity for the covenant people, reflecting their consecration to Yahweh.
* **Symbol of Abundance**: In [[1 Kings 4:23]], the presence of yachmûwr among the daily provisions for King Solomon's court serves as a powerful symbol of the unparalleled abundance and prosperity that characterized his reign. This era of peace and material blessing was a tangible manifestation of God's favor and the fulfillment of His covenant promises for a land flowing with plenty, where even prized game animals were readily available.
### Summary
The Hebrew word yachmûwr (`{{H3180}}`) identifies a type of deer, most likely the fallow deer, a name possibly derived from its reddish coloration. Its two biblical occurrences are exclusively in the context of food: it is listed as a clean animal permissible for consumption under the Mosaic Law ([[Deuteronomy 14:5]]) and included among the luxurious provisions for King Solomon's household ([[1 Kings 4:23]]). The theological significance of yachmûwr is therefore found in its role within the divine framework of dietary laws, underscoring God's meticulous provision and the call for Israel's holiness and distinction. Furthermore, its presence in Solomon's court exemplifies the extraordinary abundance and blessing bestowed upon Israel during a period of divine favor.
TRV